An alarming case has emerged from Simdega district, Jharkhand, where a man, Manoj Singh, was allegedly set on fire by his wife, Puja Devi, following a domestic dispute. The incident took place in Ganjhu Toli, part of the Genmer Panchayat in Bano block. Manoj was severely burned after his wife reportedly poured petrol on him and ignited it. He is currently receiving treatment at the IGH Hospital in Rourkela, with his condition being described as serious.
Girda OP police responded to the scene and apprehended Puja Devi, initiating an investigation into the matter. Preliminary reports suggest that Manoj and Puja had been married for about four months. On Friday, an argument reportedly erupted between the couple over an unspecified domestic issue. After the argument appeared to settle, Manoj went outside to sit a short distance away from their home.
It’s reported that the wife then approached him, doused him with petrol, and set him on fire. The rapid spread of the fire caused serious burns before Manoj could react. Neighbors and family members quickly put out the fire and rushed the injured man to the hospital. He was later moved to the hospital in Rourkela.
Police have taken Puja into custody, and are working to determine the circumstances leading to the act. The incident has caused a stir in the local community.
This incident echoes a similar case that occurred in Gumla district, Jharkhand, a few months ago. In that incident, a husband was attacked with an axe by his wife over a disagreement regarding food preparation. She then allegedly set him on fire. The couple’s infant child was also injured in the incident.